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Small Beef Feedlot Manure Control Tour Is Aug. 27

MARCUS, Iowa -- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a feedlot field day at the Greg Galles feedlot near Marcus in northwest Iowa on Tuesday, Aug. 27, beginning at 1 p.m.

By law, small feedlots in Iowa must settle solids from runoff and then discharge effluent in a manner that does not cause a water quality violation. Kris Kohl, ag engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will present information at the field day on how to install a low-cost pumping system below the settling basin that can be used to move the nutrient-rich effluent to cropland or pasture. The effluent and nutrients are then distributed through a hose or pipe via flood irrigation where both the water and the nutrients can be used for crop growth, reducing the potential impact on water quality.

Feedlot owner Greg Galles will talk about the costs and benefits of this system. ISU Extension and Outreach ag engineer Shawn Shouse will talk about the small feedlot plan to help educate cattle and dairy operators about manure management impacts on water quality and manure systems for small feedlots that can be used to protect water quality. The plan is a cooperative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa State Dairy Association.

This field day will be held rain or shine. To get to the field day from the intersection of Hwy 3 and County Road L36 (D Ave.) south of Marcus, travel approximately 4.5 miles south on D Ave. The feedlot is on the west side of the road with the address 5334 D Ave. Watch for signs.